Rotary District 6940 · page. Scroll down to find both a Rotarian and Guest link. Look for updates...

Message from DG Dave Rauch ................... p. 2Message from the Editor............................... p. 3Upcoming Events ............................................ p. 4

District ‘News For You’ .........................................6Clubs in Action ................................................... 11District Club Directory ..................................... 25

What’s Inside?

Rotary District 6940Official Newsletter

Serving Northwest Florida and the WorldJan/Feb 2015 Volume 101, Issue 3

Feeding familiessee page 11

Rotary District 6940 Newsletter - Jan/Feb 2015 p. 2

District 6940 NewsletterMessage from DG David Rauch

Our “Light Up Rotary” year continues to be a whirlwind of exciting events, fund-raisers, challenges, and growth. As we look to the newness of spring, we stop to access our progress on our Club and District goals. Now is the time to adjust and take action to accomplish these goals as we near the final stretch of this Rotary year.

The growth in the number of “signature” events and the increased participation in those events is a testament to the rock-solid focus and goal driven Rotarians of our District.

In that spirit, I invite you to register now for the 2015 District Conference, May 15 – 17, to be held at the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens and Resort, Pine Mountain, Georgia! This is our time to fellowship and celebrate each other.

Our LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION weekend is shaping up with great speakers and fun activities. Headliners Include:

A “surprise” representative from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, providing an update on the Gates Foundation’s commitment toward and collaboration with Rotary, to end Polio. The speaker will also inform us on other challenges the Gates Foundation is tackling.

We will hear a truly inspirational and motivational presentation by Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger. As a young man, Rudy discovered he suffered from Dyslexia. Undaunted by his condition and despite being undersized at merely 5’6” and 165 pounds he continued to work hard to achieve his dream--to attend the University of Notre Dame and play Notre Dame football.

Additionally, David Beard will be speaking on

Ethics, Character and a Moral Perspective on Leadership. In 2006, he retired from the Northrop Grumman Corporation to establish his ethics speaking and consulting company. In his 25 year career with Northrop Grumman, he spent nearly half that time as the sector ethics program director responsible for the design, development and implementation of a “values-based” ethics program impacting more than 15,000 employees located at multiple nationwide sites.

In addition to the design and delivery of workshops on “Ethical Leadership” to several thousand managers and employees within Northrop Grumman, Mr. Beard has conducted ethics workshops, presentations and keynote addresses to numerous executive level business, government, military as well as academic audiences.

Attendees will have the opportunity to explore local attractions, like the Wild Animal Safari, President Franklin Roosevelt’s Warm Spring retreat, the Callaway Gardens attractions or relax and rejuvenate at the Lodge’s world-class spa. Several special interest workshops, such as digital photography, will be exclusively offered to us. Look for updates in the newsletter and on the District Conference Facebook page.

Looking forward to seeing many of you in coming months and at the conference.

Yours in Rotary Service,District Governor Dave


District 6940 NewsletterMessage from the Newsletter EditorDear Rotarians of District 6940,

We’re already a month into the new year and here comes the third issue of the year’s District Governor Newsletter.

I want to first of all thank each of the club public relations folks who sent me a bevy of photos and stories telling stories of Rotarians doing good work in their communities across the district.

All of this information not only makes for a full newsletter, it also makes it easier on me, because the photos and stories are just about ready to be placed in without too much work. For that, I’m especially grateful.

The newsletter continues to grow, and this issue we’re at an amazing 27 pages--up from 21 pages last issue--with news from the district as well as individual clubs. I was happy to also receive some updates about local Interact clubs as well this time around. They are indeed future Rotarians and bring “Service Above Self” into the next generation.

Speaking of district news, be sure to check out an update on our ongoing battle against Polio, as well as one about our Rotary Youth Exchange. And don’t forget about the upcoming District Conference on May 15-17. Registration is now open.

As always, I enjoy reading about what all of the clubs in our district are doing. From grilling competitions to honoring veterans, the Rotarians of District 6940 show that they can make a difference and have fun doing it.

It’s hard to believe the Rotary year is half gone, but there is still plenty of time for more good work and more good fun. So, with that being said, please be sure to send your photos and information to me for the next issue. The deadline will be Friday, March 27.

Yours in Rotary Service,Mark Viola

Perry Rotary Club

Submit photos, events and reports to:

rotary6940newsletter @gmail.com

And remember, you don’t have to wait until the deadline to submit your information.


District 6940 NewsletterUpcoming Events

Find out about district and club events at any time on the District and Club Database (DaCdb) at rotary6940.org

February is World Understanding MonthFeb. 23 Rotary’s 115th Anniversary Rotary’s anniversary has been designated as World

Understanding and Peace Day.Feb. 28 Rotary Leadership Institute Location: Tallahassee Community College, Tallahassee The Rotary Leadership Institute was designed to help Rotarians

become well informed about all aspects of Rotary. (For more information, please see page 7.)

March is Literacy MonthMarch 5-7 Florida Rotary PETS Location: Buena Vista Palace, Orlando President Elects from across Florida and the Bahamas will be in

Orlando for training for their upcoming year as president.March 9 Rotary Club of Pensacola’s Centennial The Rotary Club of Pensacola will celebrate the centennial

anniversary of its founding. (For more information, see page 6.)March 21 10 a.m. Gulf Breeze Rotary Gumbo Cookoff Location: South Shoreline Park in Gulf Breeze Gulf Breeze Rotary’s Annual Gumbo Cookoff is where teams

compete to prepare and serve the area’s best gumbo. The contest will be judged and the winning team will be recognized. The food is ready to be served at 10 a.m. and by 3 p.m., 150 gallons of gumbo will be gone. So come early!

March 22 12 noon Lake City Rotary Cow Chip Bingo Location: North Florida Pro Rodeo at Columbia County Fair Grounds Join Lake City for an exciting twist to Bingo as we have fun at this

annual fund-raiser. For more information, contact John Wheeler at (386) 288-6709 or [email protected].

Register now for the 2015 District Conference, May 15-17 , to be held the Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens and Resort, Pine Mountain, Georgia!

You can click in the link on the District 6940 web page. Scroll down to find both a Rotarian and Guest link. Look for updates on the Rotary 6942 Conference Facebook page.

Registration is now open on the District Database, which can be found at www.rotary6940.org.

The conference fee is $150 (until March 31) for Rotarians, spouses and children 18 and older. Kids under 18 are free.

Book your room at the group rate of $159 through Marriott Central Reservations at 1-888-312-8002 or online (the group-rate link is available on the database). Use group code RID. The registration cut-off is April 14.

Lights, Camera, Action Conference sponsorship opportunities!

Sponsorship opportunities are available to support the District Conference. Sponsorships help to cover the cost of the conference. You will receive advertising or recognition in the conference brochure, on the District Facebook page and website. For information on the recognition levels and perks associated each contact Keri Anne Schultz at [email protected] or 850-939-3535.


District 6940 Newsletter


District 6940 ‘News for You’Thanks for your tribute to First Lady Elaine Sherron

As many know, Elaine Sherron passed on July 11, 2014. She was our “First Lady” when Gene Sherron was Governor in 2006-07. She accompanied him on all the Official Club Visits, except for a handful of morning clubs, as she simply was not a morning person.

An Honorary Member of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee Northside, she participated in many of the Club’s service projects. Each week she filled a Northside coffee mug with candies to be used as the Speaker Gift.

Elaine was a five-sapphire Paul Harris Fellow and a Major Donor. With 20 years of devotion to Rotary, the family added the following to Elaine’s obituary:

In lieu of flowers, a remembrance donation to “End Polio Now,” The Rotary Foundation, 14280

Collections Center Drive, Chicago, IL 60693 (Elaine’s #5954476) would be appreciated as a lasting memory of her work in Rotary.

The Rotary Foundation has just notified the family that over $4,300 has been donated in this memorial to Elaine S. Sherron. Many thanks to the friends of Elaine for this final tribute.

The Rotary Club of Pensacola, the first club in our district, was formed on March 9, 1915, with 54 charter members.

The club was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Birmingham, Ala.

The Rotary Club of Pensacola was admitted into Rotary International, then the International Association of Rotary Clubs, on June 1, 1915, and

received its charter on June 15, 1915. At the time, the Rotary Club of Pensacola was

formed, there were 186 Rotary Clubs world-wide, with 27,700 members. Today, there are 1.2 million Rotarians in 34,000 clubs doing good all over the world.

* Excerpts from “Rotary in the Piney Woods of Florida,” by Virginia and Paul Parks, 1995.

Rotary Club of Pensacola will celebrate centennial


District 6940 ‘News for You’

(The following information about Rotary’s fight against polio in 2014 was provided by Cynde Covington, Zone 34 End Polio Now Coordinator 2014-15.)

As we end 2014 and look forward in 2015, we have much that has been accomplished and yet, we also have challenges that must be met and overcome if we are to rid the world of this disease once and for all.

We had 350 total cases of the WPV in 2014, less than the 416 reported in 2013. We did a much better job of surveillance and containing outbreaks in non-endemic countries. This year we only had 19 cases of the wild polio virus in non-endemic countries versus 256 in 2013.

The last few years have seen the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) evolve and grow in

response to the threats posed to the world by the final strongholds of the poliovirus.

Nigeria, the only remaining endemic country on the African continent saw its numbers reduced to just 6 cases this past year with the last one over 5 months ago. While the Ebola crisis in Western Africa has had an impact on polio eradication activities, efforts were made to vaccinate children in the surrounding region to provide a buffer zone and no new cases of polio have surfaced.

Pakistan presents the greatest challenge to the global eradication effort in 2015. Pakistan and Afghanistan are the only countries where the number of cases went up this past year. Afghanistan had 28 cases compared to 14 in

A look back at 2014 and where we are with Polio

Please see page 9


District 6940 ‘News for You’Pakistan, Afghanistan only countries to see an increase2013. The bulk of these cases are linked to cross-border transmission with neighboring Pakistan.

Pakistan had 297 cases versus 93 in 2013. While we did have opportunities to get in and do immunizations in tribal areas we hadn’t been in for over five years, because of challenging geography, lots of insecurity, difficult borders, and the need for increased commitment at all levels, we saw the number of WPV cases go up significantly in Pakistan.

Immunization activities are continuing with particular focus on known high-risk areas, in previously inaccessible areas of FATA. At exit and entry points of conflict-affected areas, 100 permanent vaccination points are being used to reach internally displaced families as they move in and out of the inaccessible area.

We have more friends than ever before to join us in partnership for the final stages. The following priorities have been set for the partnership to build on the gains made so far and to address the key risks and challenges of the coming year:

• Fine-tuning Surveillance• Ensuring Africa and Middle East are Polio-free• Providing Surge Support to Pakistan and

Afghanistan

• Preparing of OPV2 Withdrawal• Engaging with Routine ImmunizationSee more at: http://www.polioeradication.

org/mediaroom/newsstories/Looking-Forward-into-2015/tabid/526/news/1187/Default .aspx#sthash.x42rIsnC.dpuf

We have the tools and the knowledge to tackle each problem that we will face in the coming year. What we must have from each of you is to maintain awareness and financial commitments so we can

keep up the momentum needed to finish this!

I understand that many of the Rotarians in your Districts may be experiencing end polio fatigue, but you don’t start “the next project” before you finish your signature project any more than you would not stop running a marathon with only a few miles left to the finish line, or stop playing the championship game inside of the two minute warning because you are tired and beat up.

There is much more at stake here than bragging rights…we are on the edge of eradicating a

disease, winning a war, ensuring that no child will ever have to face this devastating disease again.

We need you to lead the charge and motivate the Rotarians and clubs in your District to push harder than ever as we race to the finish line. Thank-you for all that you have done and continue to do in this fight to end polio now!

POLIO - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8



Rotary Youth Exchange—District 6940

While our current inbound students are enjoying themselves with Mid Term Exams, Disney, and Sea Camp, our district was busy recruiting 9 panhandle students to be outbound students next year!

Since our district has only committed to 4 inbound students for next year, that left 5 students on the “waiting list”… hopeful that they would get the chance to follow their dream. Well the good news is, that since the balance of exchanges is statewide, we were able to share our spots with other districts and all 9 students were confirmed! This represents 8 students from Tallahassee and 1 from Destin.

In what I believe was our district’s first ever “Reveal Party” our original 4 students, and 5 hopefuls gath-ered together to find out where they would be spending their exchange year. At this party the 5 hopefuls were also surprised with the good news that they too were selected and assigned countries… much to their delight!!

Each of the students were given a picture of their country’s flags including:

Korea, Belgium, France, Poland, Hungary, Thailand, Italy and Germany.

A very special THANK YOU to William Dickerson (TLH) for hosting the party and for all the additional help from the Tallahassee Club members... For ALL you do in support of RYE!!

Outbound Class of 2015-2016 Current Inbound Class at Disney Outbound Class of 2015-2016

Now that you have the RYE Spirit, remember it is now time so make club commitments for hosting one of our 4 inbound students for next year!! These students will be coming from Brazil, Sweden, Austria and South Korea. If Tallahassee sponsors their usual two, and Emerald Coast sponsors one, that leaves one more to place… so speak up quickly! For more information on all things RYE go to RYEFlorida.org.

To ALL who actively support RYE.. .THANK YOU !!

Dave Johnson RYE District 6940 Chairman 850 234-2311 [email protected]



The Rotary Leadership Institute was designed to help Rotarians become well informed about all aspects of Rotary. Whether you are planning to move up the ladder in Rotary or not, the Rotary Institute will help you become a more knowledgeable and better Rotarian. You will also make new friends and share ideas that will benefit your club.

Our District, 6940, scheduled three sessions conducting RLI 1, 2 and 3. One session remains open for registation.

February 28, 2015 (Registration closes Feb. 24)

Tallahassee Community College • Tallahassee

Registration closes 10 days before the scheduled event. There are no exceptions.

Breakfast and lunch will be served, and classes start at 8 am. Registration cost is $95. Many clubs cover this cost for their members, so be sure to ask.

Please join us for a fun, informative, and productive day. Classes fill up fast, so please register soon by going to www.rlitraining.org or clicking the link on the District Calendar.

For more information, contact:

PDG Gene Sherron, Dist. [email protected]

850-893-6051Innes Richards, District Director

[email protected]

Rotary Leadership Institute a good way to learn ‘Rotary’Registration still open for Tallahassee session scheduled for Feb. 28


District 6940 in ActionCrestview Rotary Club Meets Wednesday at 12 noon

Coach & Four Restaurant114 John King Road, Crestview, FL

The Crestview Rotary Club, in partnership with Catholic Charities of Northwest Florida, is supporting a new food-distribution initiative in north Okaloosa County.

With the help of Catholic Charity’s Caring Coach Project and a matching grant from the Rotary International Foundation, Crestview Rotarians help feed families in

some of the more rural areas of Okaloosa County, where transportation to food-banks is often a challenge.

The club provides financial assistance as well as volunteers to help with monthly food distribution. In January 2015, the club helped serve 29 families currently in need.

Crestview Rotary supports new Okaloosa County food initiative

Shown above are: (from l to r) Crestview Rotarians Nikki Schneberger, Allyson Oury, Courtney Huffstutler, and Catholic Charities’ Office Manager (Western Deaneries), Matthew Knee.


District 6940 in ActionPanama City Northside Meets Wednesday at 12 noon

Holiday Inn Select at the Mall2001 N. Cove Blvd., Panama City

On December 17, 2014, the Rotary Club of Panama City Northside presented Paul Harris Fellowship awards to two non-Rotarians, Bay County Sherriff Frank McKeithen and Debra Peel.

These awards were made possible by the generosity of two of our club members, Norm Gulkis and John Newman.

Frank McKeithen is the Bay County Sheriff and has served in law enforcement for more than 41 years. He was appointed as Gulf County Interim Sheriff in 1995 by Governor Lawton Chiles and was subsequently re-elected in that position twice. He was then appointed as Bay County Interim Sheriff in 2003 by Governor Jeb Bush and has been reelected three times in that position.

Debra Peel is a private investigator, staff investigator

for the Florida Bar, and the media representative for Panhandle Crime Stoppers, Inc. In addition she has been featured in O Magazine by Oprah Winfrey as one of the busiest women in the country who find time to serve in their community. She has been involved with law enforcement since the 1980s.

Both McKeithen and Peel are leaders in the community who routinely put service above self and strive to make our community a better place. Neither McKeithen nor Peel knew they were getting the awards.

Local media attended the event and an article was written in The News Herald regarding the award presentation. The article can be found at the following link: http://www.newsherald.com/news/crime-public-safety/local-crime-fighters-receive-rare-rotary-awards-1.414968?page=1.

Panama City Northside awards Paul Harris Fellowships for local service


District 6940 in ActionR.C. of Panama City Meets Tuesday at 12 noon

St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club218 Bunkers Cove Road, Panama City

Rotary Club of Panama City gives $14,700 to 18 agencies

The Rotary Club of Panama City, aka Downtown Rotary, awarded $14,700 to eighteen community agencies Tuesday, Dec. 16, at its weekly meeting held at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club.

Recipients include Panama City Rescue Mission; Family Services Agency of Bay County; Children’s Advocacy Center; United Way of Northwest Florida; Food for Kidz; Warrior Beach Retreat, Inc; Boy Scouts Gulf Coast Council; Girl Scouts of the Florida Panhandle and Enactus Network/GCSC.

Additional recipients include Junior Achievement of Northwest Florida; Bay Education Foundation; Salvation Army Domestic Violence Shelter Program; New Horizons Learning Center; Covenant Hospice; Girls Incorporated of Bay County; Gulf Coast State College Foundation;

North Bay Haven Interact and Tom P. Haney Education Foundation.

Rotary’s motto is “Service above self.” The object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service as a basis of worthy enterprise. Each year the club seeks and identifies local service organizations to support by providing funds raised through club efforts.

The club is currently accepting new applications through May 2015. Applicants may contact Club Service Chairman Melissa Hagan at [email protected] or at 850-774-6705.

Founded in 1937, The Rotary Club of Panama City meets each Tuesday at 12 noon at St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club. There are currently 125 members.


District 6940 in ActionRotary Club of Destin Meets Tuesday at 7:15 a.m.

Rutherfords 465 @ Regatta Bay465 Regatta Bay Blvd., Destin, FL 32541

Destin Rotary Club provides $4,500 in scholarships, helps fight hunger

The Rotary Club of Destin maintains several endowed scholarships at Northwest Florida State College.

“Through the Destin Rotary Club Scholarships, $4,500 was awarded to five deserving students from Okaloosa County,” Destin Rotary Club Scholarship Chairman Bob Hafner, announced.

Amber Wall of Destin received $1,000 from the Houston Beaumont Scholarship towards her Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education.

Cassaundra Pauley of Shalimar received $1,000 from the Houston Beaumont Scholarship towards her Associate and Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science.

Jennifer Hunt of Niceville was awarded $750 from the

Destin Rotary Club Ethics in Business Scholarship to pursue her Bachelor’s Degree in Project Management with emphasis in Public Service.

Megan Gage-Shirah of Destin was awarded $1,000 from the Gene Westerfeld Memorial Scholarship to pursue a career in Nursing.

Nichole Marie Hart of Niceville received $750 from the Destin Rotary Club Ethics in Business Scholarship to pursue a degree in Business Administration.

The Rotary Club of Destin sponsors the Destin Middle School Interact Club whose mission is “Soaring for

The Rotary Club of Destin sponsors the Destin Middle School Interact Club. Shown above are: (from l to r) Club President Bill Lindsley, Student Interact President Kara Phillips, School Teacher Mary Lynn Bettinger and Destin Middle School Principal Charlie Morello.

Please see page 15


District 6940 in ActionRotary Club of Destin Meets Tuesday at 7:15 a.m.

Rutherfords 465 @ Regatta Bay465 Regatta Bay Blvd., Destin, FL 32541

Service.” More than 54 energetic students under the leadership of

teacher Mary Lynn Bettinger and Interact Club President Kara Phillips, recently briefed the club on their numerous club activities and projects.

The Campus Pride Crew is a committee comprised of students who maintain the gardens and clean-up around the campus. Other committees include Bulletin Board Builders, New Student Greeters and Teacher Helper Program.

The Destin Middle School Interact Club is engaged in numerous community projects such as the Destin Seafood Festival, Destin Fishing Rodeo “Rootin-Tootin”

Rodeo Roundup, Alaqua Animal Refuge (collect donated items for caring injured animals) and partners with the City of Destin for the annual Pinfish Classic, Founder’s Day Luncheon and Christmas Parade “Oodles of Noodles of Love” to benefit the Destin Harvest House Food Pantry.

For the past several years, The Rotary Club of Destin partners with Crop Drop, a food drive coordinated by Thrivent Financial that reaches over 5,000 families in need from Santa Rosa County to Bay County. Over 56,000 pounds of produce will benefit nearly 65 agencies (local churches and non-profits) to distribute to those in need for the Thanksgiving season.

Destin Rotarians welcomed 11 children of club members to a Christmas breakfast to experience the mission of Rotary…the next generation of Rotarians.

SCHOLARSHIPS - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 14

Destin Rotarians Jason Belcher and Dave Thompson participating in the Crop Drop.

Crop Drop reaches 5,000 families


District 6940 in ActionMid-Bay Bridge Rotary Meets Wednesday at 7 a.m.

Bluewater Bay Golf ClubBluewater Blvd., Niceville, Niceville, FL 32578

Mid-Bay Rotary Past President Henry Snider (L) and President Jeffrey Rink (R) presented a $500 check to Heidi Blair from the USO. Mid-Bay thanks the USO for all they do for our Service Men and Women.

Mid-Bay Bridge contributes to USO


District 6940 in ActionRotary Club of Tallahassee Meets Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

FSU Alumni Center1030 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee

Rotary Club of Tallahassee’s Paul Harris Fellow Plus Ones celebrate Foundation

On Jan. 8, 106 members of the Rotary Club of Tallahassee, all Paul Harris Fellows Plus One, gathered at the home of Dr. Walt and Marybeth Colon for a celebration of their continued support for the Rotary Foundation.

The Tallahassee Club has been the top contributor to the Rotary Foundation in District 6940 for many years. Walt and Marybeth Colon began hosting the club’s Paul Harris Fellows at their home five years ago, when he was the club’s Foundation Chair. The event has become so popular that it has now been limited to those members who are PHF+1 or above. Because there are still another 47 Paul Harris Fellows in the club who continue to support the Foundation, the event will surely become even larger next year.

Announced at the gathering were four new Major Donors and two new Bequest Society Members., along with another Paul Harris Society member, bringing the

club’s total to 35.When asked how the Tallahassee club has generated

so much support for the Rotary Foundation, President Dr. Mary Pankowski replied, “We have carefully cultivated a culture of support for the Foundation by making it an important feature of every club meeting.”

Club Foundation Chair Bill Gunter, added, “The Foundation is not only top of mind, it is deep in the heart of the club as shown by our numerous community service projects, as well as global projects in St. Lucia, Mexico, Panama and India. We give to the Rotary Foundation because it helps us give back, to both our community and around the world.”

With its current membership of 206, the Rotary Club of Tallahassee is not the largest in D6940, but its support for the Rotary Foundation and “Doing Good in the World” is unsurpassed.

Shown above are four new Major Donors were introduced during the Rotary Club of Tallahassee Paul Harris Plus One event held Jan. 8: Walt Colon, Jim Ryan, Larry Kubiak and Mary Pankowski, with Foundation Chair Bill Gunter. See more photos from the event on page 18.


District 6940 in ActionRotary Club of Tallahassee Meets Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

FSU Alumni Center1030 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee

DGN Roger Champion and Donna, new Bequest Society members, with Mary Pankowski, president.

AG John Medina and Dee Dee, also new Bequest Society members, with Mary Pankowski, president.

PDG Wayne and Betty Edwards (Major Donors, level 2, and Bequest Society members, and President of the Rotary Action Group for Diabetes) being acknowledged by Mary Pankowski, president.

President Mary Pankowski enlists Foundation Chair and President Nominee Bill Gunter in the Paul Harris Society, as she also recognizes the other 34 PHS members in the RC Tallahassee.

President Mary Pankowski, Assistant Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator Ivan Johnson and Foundation Chair Bill Gunter celebrate the Rotary Club of Tallahassee’s record as Number 1 Club in D6940 for support of the Rotary Foundation over the past five years.


District 6940 in ActionR.C. of Panama City Beach Meets Thursday at 12 noon

Fishale Taphouse7715 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach

‘Grills Gone Wild’ barbecue cook-off has raised $120,000 in the past 7 years

Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) was the scene for the Rotary Club of Panama City Beach (RCPCB) to host the seventh annual Grills Gone Wild (GGW) BBQ Cook Off and Swine Tasting on Nov. 22, 2014.

Even with the threat of some rain, club President Erven Sewell said, “We were not about to let a little rain stop us now!”

And it did not as over 20 Grillers converged on GCSC setting up shop to grill through the night as they

anticipated thousands of BBQ lovers coming to sample their wares. GGW is the signature fund raiser of the RCPCB having raised $120,000 over the past 7 years. These funds go back into our community by way of local non-profits applying online line at www.grillsgonewildpcb.

com, being vetted by the club’s Board of Directors and the final cut by the club’s Foundation: PCB Rotarians at Work, Inc.

More than 30 local charities made the final cut for this year’s event and received a combined payout of nearly $40,000. All of the funds are distributed in the Bay County area.

The 75 club members all turned out on event day to help with all aspects such as selling tickets, serving cooked food, making sure the grillers have everything they need, working the Boston Butt pick up tent, garbage collection and helping the Florida Barbecue Association tally the votes for the Grand Champion Griller.

The winner this year for the second year in a row was The Sandbar Restaurant of PCB. They squeaked out the

win by less than one half of one percent over Deep Smoke BBQ.

The event is simple, folks pay to enter and can go to any or all of the competitive grillers, hobby grillers or GCSC Culinary Department offerings and sample the swine. This year there was a dessert tent of donated pies and cakes that was a big hit and more value for our visitors.

Earlier that morning the 5K Hog Jog and 1K Chicken crawl was held starting at the GCSC campus going over the Hathaway Bridge and back. It is a very scenic course and was attacked by more than 150 runners this year. All proceeds from the Hog Jog/Chicken Crawl event go to Polio Plus. Past District Governor Jeannie Retherford (2011-2012) and her husband Chris have been run coordinators for us since its inception four years ago. The Hog Jog raised $3,400 this year to help eradicate Polio.

All proceeds are distributed back to the Bay County Community. On Dec. 18, 2014, the club held its annual charity giveaway in conjunction with our weekly club meeting. It was an inspiring sight to witness the hard

Rotarians work in the rain during the seventh annual Grills Gone Wild.

Please see page 20


District 6940 in ActionR.C. of Panama City Beach Meets Thursday at 12 noon

Fishale Taphouse7715 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach

work and dedication of our club as it culminated in this great act of kindness presenting to those 30 charities that make their life’s work helping the young, disadvantaged and underserved. “We know these funds will impact over 2000 children and countless adults in the coming year.”

“A special thank you to all our members, their spouses and significant others, friends of Rotary, our Northern Rotary visitors without whom we would not be the club we are and most importantly the sponsors of the Grills Gone Wild event who more than any other make this event possible.

“Make plans to join us for 8th Annual Grills Gone Wild on Nov. 21, 2015, for food and fellowship as we work to make a difference in our community.”

Participants ready themselves for the 5K Hog Jog and 1K Chicken crawl. The event featured more than 150 runners this year in 2014.

GRILLS GONE WILD - CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

2,000 children impacted


District 6940 in ActionInteract Club of Arnold High School

Arnold High School Interact Club members with Rotarian Liaison Linda Radcliff. For more photos, see page 22.

Arnold High School Interact Club holds Sept. 11 memorial program

On Sept. 11, 2014, the Interact Club of Arnold High School in Panama City Beach held its Annual 9-11 Memorial Service remembering the attacks and loss of life sustained on Sept. 11, 2001.

The Interact Club at AHS is a healthy 30-member club that undertakes many service projects throughout the year. The club coordinates speakers, schedules the itinerary and emcees the program. They are sponsored by the Rotary Club of Panama City Beach.

In addition to honoring the memory of those lost on that fateful day and recognizing the brave efforts of the first responders, attendees heard the story of the “Pentagon

Rock” that is on a 99-year loan from the U.S. Department of Defense. Four members of the PCB Rotary Club were allowed to retrieve the “Rock,” which is actually a piece of the destroyed walls of the Pentagon in Washington D.C., sustained by the hijacked plane that crashed into it on 9/11.

A small number of Pentagon artifacts were allowed to be removed and AHS is the only high school in America that has one of them. The 600-pound piece of sandstone has been mounted for display for all to see in the Fine Arts Auditorium. The 9/11 service attracts 500 attendees every year and its goal is to “never let us forget.”


District 6940 in ActionInteract Club of Arnold High School

Arnold High School ROTC cadets with Pentagon Rock.

Past Rotary President, Judge Chris Patterson, speaks at the 9-11 event.

Rotarians and Interactors honored first responders at the memorial event.

Emerald Coast Rotary — First Half Year in Review Vocational Service at Work

Rotary Youth Exchange Display

Pizza For Polio On

World Polio Day

Tyndall AFB Hornet’s Nest

Remodel Providing a

safe place for some

R & R

Service Above Self

Award

Panama City Beach

Police Department

U.S. Masters Synchronized

Swimming Acton

Up With

Downs Buddy Walk

Assisting Others in Service

Ringing The Bell

With Style And a Smile


Emerald Coast Rotary — First Half Year in Review Putting the ‘Fun” in Service! Youth and Veterans Services

YiXi’s Arrival from Spain

Rotary Youth Exchange - YiXi and Host Family - Tim, Noel, Chloe West

And

Nana



District 6940 Club DirectoryCLUB DAY TIME LOCATIONApalachicola Bay Tues. 12 noon Tapa’s Bar 73 Avenue E, Apalachicola, FLBlountstown Wed. 12 noon Calhoun Liberty Hospital Dining Room 20370 Burns Avenue, Blountstown, FL 32424Branford Tues. 12 noon Sprinkles Hwy. 129 North, Branford, Branford, FLCantonment Wed. 12 noon Scenic Hills Country Club 8891 Burning Tree Road, Cantonment, FLChattahoochee Mon. 12:30 p.m. Captains Table 8110 Veteran’s Memorial Hwy (US 90), Sneads, Fl. 32460Chiefland Wed. 12 noon The Hudson Room 116 North Main Street, Chiefland, FL 32626Crestview Wed. 12 noon Coach & Four Restaurant 114 John King Road, Crestview, FLDeFuniak Springs Wed. 12 noon McClain Family Steak House 622 Hugh Adams Road, DeFuniak Springs, FL 32435Destin Tues. 7:15 a.m. Rutherfords 465 @ Regatta Bay 465 Regatta Bay Boulevard, Destin, FL 32541Dixie County Wed. 12 noon Cook House at the residence of Hayward Anderson 131 NE 256 Ave, Cross City, FL 32628Emerald Coast Mon. 5:30 p.m. Triple Js’ Restaurant Panama City Beach, FL 32408Fort Walton Beach Wed. 12 noon Fort Walton Beach Yacht Club 180 NE Ferry Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548Gulf Breeze Tues. 7:00 a.m. Andrews Institute-Athletes Performance Center 1040 Gulf Breeze Parkway , Gulf Breeze, FL 32561Lake City Thurs. 12 noon First Baptist Church 182 NE Justice Street, Lake City, FL 32055Lake City Downtown Wed. 7:00 a.m. Quail Heights Country Club 161 SW Quail Heights Terrace, Lake City, FL 32025Live Oak Mon. 12 noon Farm Bureau Building 407 Dowling Ave., Live Oak, FLLynn Haven Wed. 7:00 a.m. Panama Country Club 100 Country Club Drive, Lynn Haven, FLMadison Wed. 12 noon Villa Maria Hall, St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church 301 NW Orange Avenue, Madison, FL 32340Marianna Wed. 12 noon Jim’s Buffet & Grill 241 W. Lafayette, Marianna, FL 32446Mayo Wed. 12 noon Lafayette County Farm Bureau Building 874 E. Main St., Mayo, FL 32066


District 6940 Club DirectoryMid-Bay Bridge Wed. 7:00 a.m. Bluewater Bay Golf Club Bluewater Blvd., Niceville, Niceville, FL 32578Milton Tues. 12 noon Grover T’s BBQ 5887 Hwy 90, Milton, FL 32570Monticello Fri. 12 noon First Presbyterian Church 290 East Dogwood St, Monticello, FLNavarre Fri. 12 noon Tuscan Grille at Hidden Creek Golf Course 3070 Pga Blvd (Hidden Creek Golf Club), Navarre, FLNiceville-Valparaiso Thurs. 12 noon Student Services Center Northwest Florida State College Niceville Campus, Niceville, FLPace Thurs. 7:00 a.m. Stonebrook Village Country Club Pace, FLPanama City Tues. 12 noon St. Andrews Bay Yacht Club 218 Bunkers Cove Road, Panama City, FLPanama City (East Bay) Mon. 12 noon Rodeo’s Steak House Tyndall Pkwy, Callaway-Parker, FLPanama City Beach Thurs. 12 noon Fishale Taphouse 7715 Front Beach Road, Panama City Beach, FLPanama City-Northside Wed. 12 noon Holiday Inn Select at the Mall 2001 N. Cove Blvd., Panama City, FLPensacola Tues. 12 noon New World Landing South Palafox St., Pensacola, FLPensacola - Seville Tues. 5:30 p.m. Seville Quarter / Rosie O’Grady’s Room 130 East Government Street, Pensacola, FL 32502Pensacola North Fri. 12 noon Asbury Place/Cokesbury United Methodist Church 9th Ave. at College Blvd., Pensacola, FLPensacola Suburban West Thurs. 12 noon Pensacola Yacht Club 1897 Cypress Street, Pensacola, Pensacola, FLPensacola-Cordova Thurs. 7:00 a.m. Gulf Coast Kid’s House 3401 N 12th Ave., Pensacola, FLPensacola-Five Flags Mon. 12 noon New World Landing 600 S. Palafox Street, Pensacola, FLPerdido Key Wed. 7:30 a.m. Triggers Restaurant 12700 Gulf Beach Highway, Pensacola, FLPerry Tues. 12 noon Holiday Inn Express 601 Everett Way, Perry, FL 32348, Perry, FLPort St. Joe Thurs. 12 noon Sunset Coastal Grill 602 Highway 98, Port St. Joe, FLQuincy Tues. 12 noon Women’s Historical Society Building 304 W King St. Quincy, FL 32351

CLUB DAY TIME LOCATION


District 6940 Club DirectoryCLUB DAY TIME LOCATIONSouth Walton County Thurs. 7:30 a.m. Embassy Suites Hotel Old Hwy 98, Miramar Beach, Miramar Beach, FLSuwannee Valley Thurs. 12 noon Haven Hospice in Chiefland 311 NE 9th Street, Chiefland, FL 32626Tallahassee Wed. 12:30 p.m. FSU Alumni Center 1030 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FLTallahassee (Capital) Tues. 12 noon Logan’s Roadhouse 750 Apalachee Pkwy, Tallahassee, FL 32301Tallahassee Northside Thurs. 12:30 p.m. Holiday Inn and Suites 2725 Graves Road, Tallahassee, FL 32303Tallahassee Southside Mon. 7:30 p.m. Four Points by Sheraton Downtown (1st/2nd weeks) 316 West Tennessee Street, Tallahassee, FLTallahassee Sunrise Tues. 7:30 p.m. Civic Center 505 W. Pensacola, Tallahassee, FLTallahassee Sunset Tues. 6:30 p.m. Hotel Duval (1st/3rd weeks--other weeks vary) 415 N Monroe St, Tallahassee, FL 32301Trenton Mon. 12 noon Woman’s Club 2107 SE CR 339, Trenton, FL 32693Wakulla County Thurs. 8:00 a.m. Best Western Plus Wakulla Inn & Suites 3292 Coastal Highway, Crawfordville FL 32327Williston Tues. 11:45 a.m. 1st Presbyterian Church 247 NE 1st Street, Williston, FL

What is an e-club?Rotary e-clubs are a lot like other Rotary clubs: they

meet weekly, carry out service projects, support The Rotary Foundation, and socialize with each other. So what’s different about e-clubs? You join your meeting online when it’s convenient for you, day or night, any day of the week.

How does an e-club operate?E-club members use webinars, videoconferencing,

message boards, instant messaging, or tools like Skype and Google Hangout to communicate. For example, a club member might post content online for that week’s meeting, then other members join the discussion throughout the week. Some e-club members also meet in person at service projects, social activities or the RI Convention.

Any Rotarian can make up a missed meeting by participating in an e-club online meeting.

To find an e-club, visit online at:

www.rotary.org/en/search/club-finder

Need a makeup? Have you tried an e-club?

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